Step 6: Wiring it up

Step 7: Plug it in and enjoy

Now you have a nice decorative tree. Enjoy it.

A while back, we came across two traffic cones at Goodwill. I figured that I could make a nice Christmas tree for my wife's classroom, but she decided in the end that they should go in front of the house. This is a fun up-cycling project.

Note 1: Use of power tools and spray paint can be dangerous. Use proper safety precautions.

Note 2: Make sure you obtain the cones in a legal manner. Stealing public/private property is illegal.

Step 1: Materials and Tools

Materials:
Traffic Cone(s)
String(s) of LED Christmas Tree lights (I used two 60 bulb strings for the larger "tree")
Spray Primer (I used Krylon)
Spray Paint (I used Krylon for this too)
You may also need rubbing alcohol and cotton balls

Note: If the tree is to be displayed outside, make sure the lights and paint are meant for outside use.

Tools:
A drill and drill bits
A sharp knife
a Sharpie or other marker
You may also need a putty knife and/or pliers

Step 2: Clean it up

Used traffic cones are dirty and may have oil or tar and other chemicals on them that could cause problems for the paint. Many cones also have reflector that will need to be removed. Both of ours' did.

Depending on whether the reflectors are glued on or "welded" on, you will need to remove them in one of the following manners.

1. Glued: Peel off the reflector. A knife might be useful. soak glued area with rubbing alcohol and let it soak in for a couple of minutes. Soak again, and scrape with a putty knife. This will make a mess!!!

2. "Welded": Using a sharp knife, carefully slide the blade between the cone and the reflector, and slice the reflector. Now, peel the reflector from the cone.

Now clean the cone off with warm soapy water or alcohol (you can use both, but not at the same time).